SÉANCE: Vivian Kerr's Captivating Masterpiece at Newport Beach Film Festival— A Tale of Power, Intrigue, and Victorian Allure
October 24, 2024
With its highly anticipated premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Séance is a visually stunning film featuring a captivating cast that perfectly mirrors its beautiful poster. This period drama follows novelist Emma Strand (Scottie Thompson) on vacation with her second husband, Albert (Connor Paolo). Their trip takes a turn when they encounter Emma’s first husband, George (Jilon VanOver), and his unpredictable new wife, Lillian (Vivian Kerr). Séance delivers drama and striking visuals, brought to life by the incredible talent of Vivian Kerr, who directed, wrote, and starred in the film. It’s a celebration of women who excel in multiple roles! Séance has infused Newport Beach with a captivating blend of glamour, chaos, and Victorian allure, creating an atmosphere that effortlessly transports us to 1892 California.
Spotlight on Vivian Kerr: she truly carves her own path while exuding an essence that resonates with us Emerald Fennell fans. A prominent figure both in front of and behind the camera, Kerr’s second feature film showcases her remarkable talent as a writer-director. Following the success of her first feature, Scrap, she has become a festival favorite, and her presence at Newport Beach is a welcome addition.
The film begins with the tragic drowning of George and Lillian's daughter, Hazel. Lillian is portrayed as a woman on the brink of insanity, convinced she can communicate with her daughter through séances. Her husband, George, embodies a narcissistic figure who manipulates both his current and ex-wife. A control freak, he thrives on creating emotional turmoil, which intensifies the already tumultuous dynamic between the women in his life. We quickly understand why his first wife, Emma, left him in the first place. Kerr crafts a compelling narrative about women reclaiming their power as they unite to help each other regain emotional and psychological freedom, causing George to slowly wither away. It’s a delightful surprise to see Connor Paolo shine on screen with a strong supporting presence as Emma’s naive yet strikingly handsome husband, whose own issues leave audiences feeling utterly tormented. (But don’t worry, ladies, he pulls through; the nice guy always does!)
Séance is stunningly captured by French-born cinematographer Johanna Coelho. The soft, dramatic lighting casts dancing shadows on the walls, deepening the atmosphere of intrigue. Through Coelho's lens, we enter a realm where opulence intertwines with captivating mystery.
Séance is seeking distribution opportunities as it navigates the competitive festival circuit. With its unique blend of drama and supernatural themes, Séance has the potential to succeed as both a festival feature and an expanded episodic series. If developed into a series, it could delve into a more convoluted plot, allowing for deeper character development and richer storytelling. Kerr is certainly a director to watch; her distinctive vision enhances the narrative and captivates the audience on multiple levels.
Vivian Kerr: A multifaceted talent shining as director, writer, and actor
